Laws of Festivals

Mo'ed - Interrupt our active life to contemplate truths
at foundation of existence. Gather strength for activities of life.

Prohibition of Melacha applies - i.e., tranformation
and improvement of material world must stop.

But where Yom-Tov requires activity for the Yom Tov, to become
a time of Simcha - happiness - then certain activities are permitted.

Activity which directly produces "natural enjoyment"
for celebration of Yom Tov is permitted. Natural, usual and general gratification
of the senses are covered by term "consumed by the soul" because
gratification of senses should be elevated and sanctified by Yom Tov, but
must be done in a way that conforms with ideas of Festival. Therefore,
Ochel Nefesh (the Biblical term "consumed by the soul"),
refers almost exclusively to sense of taste. No work is permitted just
to gratify smell, sight, hearing etc., as this is either just a refinement
or artificial gratification.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu